Low Fat Muffins

Three years ago I would have told you that I didn't like to cook. Takes too much time, don't know how, no one to cook for...I had all the excuses. But, then I met George, and everyone in his family is in the food industry and he even likes to cook. So I gave in and tried to learn the tools of the trade from my new found love. As it turns out, some of our favorite memories together are in the kitchen, creating meals and enjoying new flavors. Learning more about cooking soon gave way to an addiction. Internet recipe blogs. My goodness the time I could spend searching, archiving and printing recipes I've found online. Lately, the recipe search has led me to the Dekalb Farmers Market for cooking supplies. I now have most of the basic ingredients for baking and every nut and dried fruit you can imagine for homemade granola bars! I'm still perfecting the granola bars, so until then please enjoy these muffins. Low Fat Carrot Bran Muffins 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1 1/2 cups all-bran cereal 2/3 cup raisins 1/3 cup brown sugar 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 3/4 cups skim milk 2 teaspoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons margarine, melted 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce (or pumpkin) 1 cup carrot, grated 1. Preheat oven to 400 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cereal, raisins, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. 3. In a large bowl, combine egg, milk, lemon, margarine, applesauce, and carrot. 4. Add dry ingredients and mix until just combined. 5. Spoon into sprayed or lightly greased muffin tin, Do Not use paper muffin liners. 6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until tops are firm to the touch. Makes 12 muffins. I wish I could give credit where it is due, but I don't remember which site I found this recipe from. Since making the first batch, we have also made them banana nut style, and have plans to make many different flavors. This is a great base recipe for muffins or breads, and is very dense and filling. Good luck and, I never thought I would say this, but Happy Baking!